Experimental Sciences

Biology

Biology has been described as the study of life and living organisms. It is an exciting, challenging but approachable science. The subject matter ranges from cells, organs and organisms, to populations, ecosystems and the interdependence of organisms on each other and on the environment.

The aim is to encourage students to create an understanding of the structure and functioning of organisms at all levels, including the chemical processes occurring within cells.

Chemistry

IB Chemistry allows students to study the techniques scientist use in conducting investigations and communicating with others around the world. In repeating classic investigations performed by historical members of this international global community, students demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles, learn to apply these principles, learn to construct, analyse and evaluate hypotheses, develop interpersonal skills with peers, and improve manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigation with precisions and safety. Scientific knowledge is interdisciplinary in nature and design. Knowledge is shared among members of the international scientific community through publications and symposiums. Through research and investigation, students fulfil the aims of improving critical scientific reasoning skills and learning investigative techniques needed for rational inductive and deductive reasoning.

Student learning is manifest through internal and external evaluations. In addition to learning the theory that is assessed through external examination by the IBO, students are required to complete investigations and Group 4 project for internal evaluation by the teacher. Each student must keep a Portfolio of Investigations that is written to support the students’ practical scheme of work. An in-depth investigation (Group 4 project) must be initiated and conducted by the student with the aid of the instructor. Such projects may lead students to complete extended essay or work with the local community in CAS projects.

Students will conduct classic labs emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in the scientific process. The library facilities on campus are expanding to Australian publications in addition to the European ones. Internet facilities are available throughout the campus which allows students to research global literature support findings and data acquired in the lab. Students will learn to record their results using the International System of Measurement and verify their findings with published values in the international community.

Physics

Physics is a subject of enormous breadth. In physics students will seek explanations of the universe itself. It is a study that will take you from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. It gives basic explanations of how stars evolve, the planets move and also the wave-particle dual nature of subatomic particles. Physics enables us to alter our surroundings- to build bridges, launch satellites and make delicate instruments for microsurgery. It has given us the internet and advances in sports equipment and medical imaging. It may also provide the answers to the big issues facing the world in the 21st century, such as the shortage of world energy resources and climate change.

Physics can be described as having two aspects. First, it is a body of information containing the rules that governs the universe we live in and help us appreciate our surrounding. Secondly, physics provides the tools for the many human activities- of engineers, astronomers, software designers and medical researchers-that allow us to alter and construct the material world to suit our needs and to pursue our wish to discover the unknown.

Physics deals with the nature and structure of matter and tries to provide order in the universe around us. The IB physics curse is divided up into the following areas: mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electromagnetism, gravitational and electrostatic fields, energy resources and climate change, atomic physics and radioactivity, quantum and nuclear physics.